The American Legion in Nappanee is going nonsmoking starting Saturday, July 1. Pictured is Rudy Espinoza, an Army veteran who has been a Legion member for 17 years. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE — The American Legion Post 154 in Nappanee is making a transformation. Long gone are the days when it was a myth the Legion was just a drinking establishment for veterans.

Today, the Legion is re-inventing itself, becoming a place to bring the family, eat dinner and enjoy time socializing.

On Feb. 15, a vote was conducted and the Legion agreed to become a non-smoking establishment, starting Saturday, July 1. This decision was made to make it a healthier environment and more family-friendly venue.

“Nappanee has a strong military history,” said Rudy Espinoza, an Army veteran who has been a Legion member for 17 years.

Charted in 1919, the Nappanee Legion was built by veterans. The national Legion is pushing posts to become non-smoking establishments, according to Betty Slagle, an auxiliary member.

“We’re going back to basics,” she said.

Jacob Dermott, the post’s commander, said, “Our goal is to make this more family friendly and respectful and a place to socialize.”

Becoming smoke free is just one of several positive changes for the Legion. The Legion is hoping to retain memberships and get more people to join the Legion as well as attract families.

The Legion consists of four groups. Currently, it has 155 members, all of whom are veterans. The Legion’s auxiliary has 215 members. The Sons of the American Legion has 166 members, and the American Legion Riders consists of 58 members.

The Legion is very active in the community. Legion members march in parades and the Boy Scouts are a program of the Nappanee Legion.

“We present the colors at NorthWood football and basketball games,” said Espinoza.

Tuesday nights are trivia nights. A family night is currently being proposed and in October, the Legion conducts trunk or treat. The Legion also participates in events during the Nappanee Apple Festival.

“This is what the Legion is all about,” said Espinoza. “We want the public to know we welcome them. We are changing for the future.”

On Friday nights, a meal is served and open to the public. Dinners are affordable at $8 or $9.

“We look forward to this chance for fellowship with our members as we progress in this new adventure,” a letter to Legion members stated.

The Legion is looking for volunteers to prepare the canteen for remodeling. The work will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 19-22 and June 26-29 and the Legion will be closed during those days.

Volunteers and Legion members will be removing items from the walls for cleaning and temporary storage; bring screw guns and any other tools which will help.

Another way of helping is contributing to the cost of the remodeling. Make checks payable to: American Legion Post 154, 201 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee, IN 46550.

Contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, visit its Facebook page or call (574) 773-7686.

Pictured is the bar area of the Nappanee American Legion. The Legion goes smoke free July 1. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.